Ozone Depletion Modulated by Arctic Polar Stratospheric Cloud Types

• Published in: Geophysical research letters Vol. 52; no. 4
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jiahao, Zhao, Zhixin, Wang, Wencai, Wang, Yuwei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington John Wiley & Sons, Inc 28.02.2025; Wiley
• Subjects: Altitude; Aquatic ecosystems; Arctic clouds; Arctic research; Atmospheric temperature; Chemical reactions; Cloud types; Clouds; Depletion; Life on Earth; Nitric acid; Nitric acids; Ozone; Ozone depletion; Ozone layer; Ozonosphere; Polar stratospheric clouds; Stratosphere; Temporal distribution; Ultraviolet radiation; Arctic region
• ISSN: 0094-8276; 1944-8007
• DOI: 10.1029/2024GL114037

Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) act as a reaction interface for polar stratospheric ozone depletion. In this study, we analyze the distribution characters of Arctic PSCs from 2006/2007 to 2020/2021, and investigate the impact of PSCs on ozone depletion using data from CALIPSO, OMI and MLS. Our results indicate that the dominant type of PSCs in the Arctic is Nitric Acid Trihydrate (NAT), followed by Supercooled Ternary Solution (STS), and ICE is the rarest. The spatio‐temporal distribution of different types of PSCs is significantly different, NAT appear at altitude below 20 km in the early stage of PSCs formation while STS occur at altitude above 20 km in the later stage of PSCs formation. Furthermore, ozone depletion is related to the type of PSCs, higher occurrences of ICE PSCs in the stratosphere hinder stratospheric ozone depletion. This investigation broadens our understanding of the multifaceted drivers influencing stratospheric ozone depletion. Plain Language Summary The ozone layer serves as a vital shield for life on Earth, and the depletion of stratospheric ozone not only results in heightened levels of surface ultraviolet radiation, which poses risks to human health and terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems, but also exerts significant impacts on atmospheric temperature and circulation through ozone‐induced heating. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play a crucial role in facilitating stratospheric ozone depletion by providing an interface for chemical reactions associated with this process. Previous studies on Arctic stratospheric ozone have predominantly focused on the dynamics of transmission. In this study, we examine the spatial and temporal distribution of various PSCs types and aim to explore their potential influence on chemical depletion reactions within the stratosphere, thereby complementing existing research on Arctic stratospheric ozone depletion. Key Points The ozone depletion is related to the type of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) Arctic PSCs primarily consist of nitric acid trihydrate, followed by supercooled ternary solution, and ICE is the rarest Higher occurrences of ICE PSCs in the stratosphere hinder stratospheric ozone depletion